JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- The South African government supports the efforts to find a lasting solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, BuaNews reported on Sunday.

    "The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, specifically between Israelis and Palestinians, has long been a matter of concern to us. The South African government supports all international efforts to find lasting peace and security in the Middle East," South African President Jacob Zuma was quoted as saying.

    He said these efforts include the implementation of various UN Security Council resolutions.

    "We support the position of the United Nations and the Middle East Quartet that the only viable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one that ends the occupation that began in1967," Zuma said.

    "It is a solution which fulfils the aspirations of both parties for independent homelands through two states for two peoples, Israel and an independent, adjoining and viable State of Palestine, living side by side in peace and security," Zuma added.

    He condemned all forms of violence in the Middle East. "We unequivocally condemn all forms of violence from whatever quarter, particularly where civilians are targeted," he said.